Tackling taboos: Young people talk about Asia’s mental health problems

Korea has long held the unfortunate title of having the highest suicide rate in the developed world. There, the issue makes frequent appearances on newspaper mastheads, due in part to an unusually high rate of celebrities killing themselves.

Korea does not stand alone with these tragic figures. Using the best statistics available from various outlets, it comes apparent that neighbours China and Japan also have almost double the rate of suicide compared with the developed nations.

But what struck me as odd is that the underlying issues contributing to such tragedy is rarely discussed in Asian media.

Discussing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, is often uncomfortable. In the worst case scenarios, it is taboo.

"Many people think that [mentally unwell] persons are crazy, they are risky, we have to avoid them."

I was first introduced to Korea's alarming suicide rate when investigating a story for Radio Australia. A former Korean baseball player, Cho Sung-Min, was found dead. This happened around four-years after his girlfriend, high-profile actress Choi Jin-sil, also committed suicide.

Dr Yongjin described how Confucian culture in Japan, China and Korea played a part in the high-rates of depression and suicide. There, being mentally unwell can be a sign of weakness, and suicide can be seen as an acceptable way of protecting one's honour.

But mental health problems are higher in many parts of Asia - not just those dominated by Confucian culture.

A University of Queensland study shows rates of depression in Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Sri Lanka are all notably higher than the world average.

The reasons for this are mixed and difficult to define. But an overarching theme is that there's a lack of awareness and acceptance.

"In Asia, patients are more likely to report the physical symptoms that go with anxiety and depression to their doctor. Often that's because they believe a doctor would be more interested in those symptoms," Prof. Harvey Whiteford from the University of Queensland told #TalkAboutIt.

"The consequences of not identifying those symptoms as a mental disorder means the treatment is not appropriate."

Stopping stereotypes

#TalkAboutIt wanted to address the issue, in part, to help our younger audiences feel more at ease seeking help should they want to. In Australia, young people have the highest prevalence of depression, yet only a quarter of those suffering an illness seek help, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

We thought having young people talk about their experience would have several benefits. It would show mental illness as more than statistics and facts, but also experiences and emotions. It would show that suffering depression or anxiety is not abnormal. And that seeking help is not a form of weakness.

I admire the bravery of our three guests, who needed no convincing to tell their stories. But it was a long journey for each to build the courage to not only address their own personal issues, but be confident enough to share them with the world.

"I believe that self-stigma has a big play in this," BeyondBlue ambassador Bronwyn Collins told #TalkAboutIt.

"If someone found out what was going on behind my mask, they would think I'm crazy."

The first step to recovery is by talking to somebody.

BeyondBlue ambassador Bronwyn Collins

"There is still stigma associated with mental illness, but there is an even worse perceived stigma."

For guest Mark Taylor, his self-perceived stigma was because he was a guy. For Felicia Huang, her Singaporean background played a part.

"Allow yourself to remove the mask," Felicia Guang said.

"Allow yourself to be vulnerable. To just share with someone, and in the end you'll just feel better for it."

There certainly is no silver bullet to mental illness. But I hope that our program, with the invaluable support from our guests, will at least help someone, somewhere feel more confident to recognise the importance of mental health.Anyone who feels that may be suffering from depression or anxiety is urged to seek professional help. Australians can call Lifeline, on 13 11 14.